Yeah, it's no wonder the annual Climb to Kaiser is rated one of the toughest in the nation by Bicycling Magazine. If you're not up for the grueling challenge, opt for the shorter Tollhouse Century or Millerton Metric rides.All rides start at Sierra Intermediate School in Clovis.

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With the roar of burning propane sounding off inches above my head, the ground below me slowly sunk farther away. Oddly, there was no jarring shake to accompany a relatively quick ascent into the sky. There was no turbulence – not even wiggle from the light breeze. It was just the heat radiating from the nearby flame, the dry coolness of early morning mountain air, and, in between the periodic roar of ignited fuel, absolute silence.